Liquorice, cucumber and yuzu, spiced Biscoff and green tea were among the standout flavours at the annual NZ ice cream and gelato awards held in Auckland last night.
Takapuna Beach Café’s liquorice gelato and Much Moore’s Strawberry Low Fat Yoghurt ice cream scooped the Supreme Champion titles, with judges praising their texture, balance and creativity.
Chief judge Geoff Scott said the standard of entries was the highest yet, with 266 creations judged across 15 categories.
“The flavours were great, and texture was excellent across all categories. It’s clear that creativity and innovation are alive and well in the New Zealand ice cream and gelato industry.”
This year, entrants were also invited to create something special with ‘Best of Biscuit’ being the theme this year.
Island Gelato Co’s Spiced Biscuit gelato was named RD 2 International Best of Biscuit Champion, with judges calling it “rich and decadent” and “smooth and creamy”.
The Auckland-based maker also won Hawkins Watts New to Market Champion for its Cucumber and Yuzu gelato — a refreshing twist that impressed the panel.
The Awards, run by the New Zealand Ice Cream Association, have been held since 1997 to celebrate Aotearoa’s finest with results shared with Kiwi ice cream lovers.
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Full list of winners
SUPREME CHAMPIONS
Takapuna Beach Café, Licorice Gelato
Chelsea Sugar, Supreme Boutique Champion
Much Moore Wonders Strawberry Low Fat Yoghurt Ice Cream
Hall’s Cold Chain Logistics, Supreme Champion
CATEGORY CHAMPION AWARDS
Much Moore Ice Cream Co Marvels Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream
INVITA, Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Champion
New Zealand Natural, Chateau Peach & Raspberry
Bonson Packaging, Classic Flavoured Ice Cream Champion
New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, Killinchy Gold Pure Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
IFF, Premium Vanilla Ice Cream Champion
Lewis Road Creamery, Chocolate Truffle with Chocolate Ganache
Americold, Premium Flavoured Ice Cream Champion
Kohu Road, Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
DKSH & Belcolade, Chocolate Ice Cream Award Champion
Kohu Road, Dark Chocolate Sorbet
DKSH & Belcolade, Chocolate Gelato or Sorbet Champion
Takapuna Beach Café Licorice
Sensient Technologies, Gelato Champion
Little ‘Lato, Chocolate Orange Sorbet
New Zealand Ice Cream Association Sorbet Champion
Island Gelato Co, Island Gelato Spiced Biscuit
RD 2 International, Best of Biscuit Champion
Island Gelato Co, Island Gelato Cucumber & Yuzu
Hawkins Watts, New Zealand New to Market Champion
Little ‘Lato Pink Wafer Gelato
Formula Foods, Open Creative Champion
Little ‘Lato, Mango Lassi Vegan Gelato
Tetra Pak, Dairy-Free Champion
Much Moore Ice Cream Co, Wonders Strawberry Low Fat Yoghurt Ice Cream
New Zealand Ice Cream Association, Low Fat Ice Cream or Frozen Yoghurt Champion
Open Country Dairy, Green Tea Ice Cream
Primary ITO, Export Champion
Kohu Road, Dark Chocolate Sorbet
New Zealand Ice Cream Association, New Member Champion
Little ‘Lato
Pact Packaging, Sustainability Champion
